Justice Joymalya Bagchi’s Appointment to the Supreme Court

In a significant development, the Government of India has officially notified the appointment of Justice Joymalya Bagchi, a sitting judge of the Calcutta High Court, as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India. The announcement was made by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal through a post on X (formerly Twitter), confirming that the appointment was made by the President of India after consultation with the Chief Justice of India (CJI).

This appointment holds great significance as Justice Bagchi is in line to become the Chief Justice of India (CJI) in 2031, succeeding Justice KV Viswanathan. His elevation is a testament to his merit, integrity, and competence, which were key factors considered by the Supreme Court collegium before making this recommendation.

Supreme Court Collegium’s Recommendation and Selection Process

The Supreme Court collegium, headed by the Chief Justice of India Justice Sanjiv Khanna, had on March 6, 2025, recommended the elevation of Justice Joymalya Bagchi to the Supreme Court. The collegium, in its statement uploaded on the Supreme Court’s official website, mentioned that it had deliberated on the names of Chief Justices and senior puisne judges of various High Courts who were eligible for elevation to the Supreme Court.

The collegium considered multiple factors, including:

• Merit
• Integrity
• Competence
• Plurality of considerations (diversity, representation, and experience in various areas of law)

After evaluating these factors, the collegium recommended Justice Joymalya Bagchi’s appointment as a Supreme Court judge, recognizing his vast legal experience and profound contributions to the Indian judiciary.

Justice Joymalya Bagchi’s Judicial Career and Experience

Early Career and Appointment as a High Court Judge

Justice Joymalya Bagchi was appointed as a Judge of the Calcutta High Court on June 27, 2011. Over the years, he gained extensive experience in various branches of law, including constitutional law, criminal law, civil law, and commercial litigation. His judgments have been instrumental in shaping legal jurisprudence in multiple areas.

Transfer to the Andhra Pradesh High Court

In a significant career move, Justice Bagchi was transferred to the Andhra Pradesh High Court on January 4, 2021. His tenure there further expanded his judicial experience, allowing him to engage with legal matters pertinent to a different jurisdiction. However, he was later repatriated to the Calcutta High Court on November 8, 2021, where he continued to serve diligently.

Tenure and Legal Contributions

Having served as a High Court Judge for more than 13 years, Justice Bagchi has made remarkable contributions in various fields of law. His judgments have reflected:

• A deep understanding of constitutional principles
• A strong commitment to justice
• A keen focus on safeguarding fundamental rights
• Interpretation of complex legal provisions with clarity

His appointment to the Supreme Court of India is a recognition of his extensive judicial experience and significant contributions to legal jurisprudence.

Justice Joymalya Bagchi’s Path to Becoming the Chief Justice of India (CJI)

Significance of His Appointment

The appointment of Justice Joymalya Bagchi as a Supreme Court Judge is historic, not only because of his legal acumen but also because he is poised to become the Chief Justice of India (CJI) in 2031.

After the retirement of Justice KV Viswanathan on May 25, 2031, Justice Bagchi will be the senior-most judge eligible to assume the office of CJI. If appointed, he will serve as the Chief Justice of India until October 2, 2031.

A Chief Justice from Calcutta High Court After Over a Decade

The last Chief Justice of India from the Calcutta High Court was Justice Altamas Kabir, who served as CJI from September 29, 2012, to July 18, 2013. Since his retirement, there has been no Chief Justice of India from the Calcutta High Court. With Justice Bagchi’s anticipated tenure as CJI, the Calcutta High Court will once again have the honor of producing a Chief Justice of India.

A Long Tenure Before Becoming CJI

Before assuming office as CJI, Justice Joymalya Bagchi will have a tenure of more than six years as a Supreme Court Judge. During this period, his judgments and leadership in the apex court will shape key legal precedents and judicial decisions in India.

Summary of Justice Joymalya Bagchi’s Appointment to the Supreme Court